POWER-GEN & DistribuTECH Africa 2016 will be staged from 19–21 July at the Sandton Convention Centre, with a strong focus on renewable energy, sustainable power generation and distribution, pan-Africa power provision and smarter management and grids.

Speaking ahead of the annual exhibition and conference, advisory Board members said it had become clear that renewable energy is approaching tipping point across Africa and renewable energy sources hold the key to meeting future power needs across the continent.

According to Sindiswa Mzamo, Chief Operating Officer of the Edison Power Group: “We’ve reached a tipping point for the adoption of solar power. In the vast majority of African countries, solar is the solution for powering rural communities, because it is cost effective and does not need to be connected to a grid to power an isolated geographic area. In some debates, it has been said that people might be overestimating the potential for solar power, but we believe the wave of solar adoptions might be one of the most important initiatives in African power right now.”

Gilman Kasiga, CEO of EA Power Limited, echoes the view that renewable adoption is surging: “We need to address Africa’s huge energy shortage by being responsible global citizens. Technologies are getting cheaper for renewables, and when we bring scale into the equation, the prices of renewables come down further. Fossil fuels may seem more cost effective, but when you factor in the long term damage, they are not necessarily cheaper. We need to maximise the natural resources we have to address our power shortfalls.”

The event will see 3,000 attendees from 80 countries convene for three days of presentations, panel discussions, workshops and comprehensive exhibition floor showcasing the latest technological developments. The event will also feature guided technical tours of Eskom calibration and plant facilities, targeted B2B matchmaking service and sponsored networking receptions which are open to all attendees. Student and young professionals will also be showcasing their entrepreneurial ideas at the EON Gen-X Theatre sponsored by EON Consulting.

The event has CPD validation and endorsement by SAIEE enabling delegates the opportunity to earn up to 2.5 CPD credit points. Exhibition entry is free and special delegate offers include 50 percent discount for utilities, government and associations and free entry for municipalities.